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Douglas Ross


By SPP Reporter

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This is the section where we hear what the ordinary people of Forres think about their town and their local newspaper

Douglas Ross
Douglas Ross

In the spotlight this week is former Forres Academy pupil Douglas Ross, who is now Moray Coucnillor for Lhanbryde and Fochabers.

What’s your earliest memory?

Attending playgroup for the first time at Alves Primary and being in tears about having to stay without my mum. Seconds later someone gave me some marbles to play with and all my woes were forgotten. I’ve been as easily distracted ever since.

How long have you been/ did you live in Forres?

I was born and brought up on a farm between Forres and Elgin and then moved into the town when we moved house. While I no longer stay in Forres my parents still do so I’m a regular visitor.

What do you like most about the town?

It has a community feel about it even though in recent years the town has expanded. I also think Grant Park and all the work throughout the town which goes into the floral displays are a great asset.

What would make Forres an even better place to live?

Given my last answer probably reversing the cut on grounds maintenance which will have an impact in Forres however it’s great to see so many individuals and groups pulling together to ensure the town keeps up its high standard of flower beds, displays and green open spaces.

Who is/was your favourite local person or character and why?

If I can pick two it would be former Councillors Iain Young and Rex McIntosh. Both are true gentlemen who worked hard for their constituents and the town. I’ve never heard anyone have a bad word to say about either of them and that is rare in any level of politics or life in general.

How do you spend your free time?

Away from work I have a hobby which more and more seems like a full time job. I’m very fortunate to operate at a high level of football as a match official but that means most weekends are taken up with games and the rest of my free time is spent training. As the football season comes to a close I’ll get to spend more time with my fiancé as we plan our wedding next year and buying our first house.

At the moment she complains all I do with my free time is football but I’m pretty sure after a couple of weeks of the season finishing she will be desperate to get me out of the house on a Saturday and back to ‘norm’

If you won the Lottery what would you do with the money?

I apologise to any friends and family but I won’t be giving the usual answer of sharing it around! I’ve never lost my interest in my old job as a diary man. Getting up at 2am on a summer morning to take the cows in for milking is one of the best things you can do so a lottery win would be spent on buying a farm to run a small herd of pedigree Holstein dairy cattle.

Describe a favourite moment from your life in Forres?

When I was younger along with five other kids from the Burgie area I switched on the Forres Christmas Lights and more recently I was taken aback by how good the Grant Park looked for the European Pipe Band Championships. It’s a natural amphitheatre and to see it full with so many locals and visitors was a great occasions.

Describe Forres in three words.

Charming, welcoming and home.

What do you think of the Forres Gazette?

A local paper that is just that. Reporting the local stories that people are interested in, highlighting local achievements and combining that with a campaigning style of journalism which always gives a balanced view.



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